Saturday, October 20, 2012

Advanced Treatment for Lymphedema of the Arm and Leg

Lymphedema is a very difficult condition to treat and many patients are told that they must suffer with lifelong compression dressings, pain and swelling. Anyone suffering from arm lymphedema from postmastectomy lymph node dissection and/or radation, or lymphedema of the legs from injury or pelvic lymph node removal/radiation understands that this is not an acceptable option. Very often, patients are young and active and maybe otherwise healthy and are seeking more long-term solutions to improve their quality of life.

Lymphatic venous anastomosis has been a treatment option for over 30 years. It has waxed and waned in terms of treatment efficacy and therein lies the controversy. Only more recently, with the advent of super microsurgical techniques and instruments, have higher rates of success with vessels and lymphatics at 0.5 mm and less, become the norm. There have been significantly improved outcomes since the early days of microsurgery. Dr. Isao Koshima in Tokyo, Japan has been pushing the envelope for decades with advanced super microsurgery techniques. He is a pioneer in super microsurgery and has some of the most extensive experience and long-term follow-up of lymphatic patients in the world.

I was fortunate to learn from Dr. Isao Koshima directly on his techniques and share knowledge and experience with colleagues from around the world about the latest treatments for lymphedema. I am fortunate to have both Drs. Koshima and Dr. David Chang at M.D. Anderson Cancer Center as my mentors in this regard.

With Drs. David Chang (Left) and Dr. Isao Koshima (Center)

at Tokyo University, Tokyo, Japan, September 2012.

In combination with lymph node transplantation as a free tissue transfer from the groin, abdomen, axilla, shoulder, or neck (large lymph node basins) with additional lymphatic venous anastomosis, this two-pronged approach to addressing improved lymphatic flow has likely made the greatest advances in the treatment for lymphedema to this date. This two-pronged approach allows to redirect lymphatic flow from the interstitial space in the subcutaneous layer to the venous system and helps regenerate lymphatics in areas where they may have been removed.

Liposuction to address lymphedema has also been described. It is more of a cosmetic treatment for lymphedema as the patient is still is left with permanent lifelong compression and reaccumulation of lymph as soon as the compression garment is removed. Liposuction does not treat the cause of lymphedema and therefore does not cannot be a long-term solution.

The power of Lymphatic Venous Anastomosis (LVA) and Lymph Node Transplant (LNT) lies in its ability to treat the causal pathway to lymphedema; it is a physiologic and long-term solution to improving lymphatic flow and ultimately, patient's quality of life. I have personally seen and treated patients with dramatic improvements, that can range from 40% to 80% reduction in circumference, 60%-80% reduction in pain and swelling, with improved range of motion, wound healing, and improved quality of life by not having to wear compression or decrease the amount of time in compression.

I encourage patients who are trying to learn more about the latest treatments for lymphedema contact our office for more information and to continue learning more about the most advanced treatments for this difficult condition.

I had my misfortune to crack 2 adjacent higher teeth, that had to be extracted.This initiated the sporting of Associate in Nursing higher plate.but now everything is going well.Thank's & Regard's Cosmetic Dentistry Las Vegas

Hello Everybody,My name is Mrs Sharon Sim. I live in singapore and i am a happy woman today? and i told my self that any lender that rescue my family from our poor situation, i will refer any person that is looking for loan to him, he gave me happiness to me and my family, i was in need of a loan of S$250,000.00 to start my life all over as i am a single mother with 3 kids I met this honest and GOD fearing man loan lender that help me with a loan of S$250,000.00 SG. Dollar, he is a GOD fearing man, if you are in need of loan and you will pay back the loan please contact him tell him that is Mrs Sharon, that refer you to him. contact Dr Purva Pius,via email:(urgentloan22@gmail.com) +918376918351 Thank you.

Huston pediatric orthopedic surgeon is a doctor who is trained and is well-adept in diagnosing and treating bone, joint, or muscle problems of children (newborns up to early teenagers). Being a pediatric doctor is already a feat. So how much more can pediatric orthopedic surgeons do? So much more...!!!!!See more at- Houston Orthopedic Surgeons

With the advent of modern medicine and technology, there has been lot of innovations in the different fields of health care. One such important area is the orthopedics. It deals with the skeleton of the body- the part which makes the natural frame and foundation.See more at- Houston Orthopedic Doctors

With the advent of modern medicine and technology, there has been lot of innovations in the different fields of health care. One such important area is the orthopedics. It deals with the skeleton of the body- the part which makes the natural frame and foundation.See more at:-Houston Orthopedic Surgeons

My name is Mr, Rugare Sim. I live in Canada and i am a happy man today? and i told my self that any lender that rescue me and my family from our poor situation, i will refer any person that is looking for loan to him, he gave happiness to me and my family, i was in need of a loan of $300,000.00 to start my life all over as i am a single Father with 2 kids I met this honest and GOD fearing man loan lender that help me with a loan of $300,000.00Dollar, he is a GOD fearing man, if you are in need of loan and you will pay back the loan please contact him tell him that is Mr, Rugare Sim that refer you to him. contact Mr, Mohamed Careen via email:(arabloanfirmserves@gmail.com) Thank you.